Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel by taxi straight from the airport on a sunny afternoon. The driver was unfamiliar with this small boutique property, but with a smartphone we found it easily. The hotel’s simple white exterior blends with surrounding New York buildings, giving it a discreet, hideaway feel. There was no doorman available when I arrived, so I carried my bags up the front steps myself. Inside, the front desk staff checked me in quickly. The lobby has no exterior windows, but clever use of colorful lighting and a cozy seating area beside a roaring fireplace created an inviting, open atmosphere. After a swift check-in I was directed to the elevators located in the center of the lobby.
Guest Quarters: My superior queen room captured a compact New York sensibility: small but thoughtfully arranged with plenty of character. Rich red fabrics and black-dyed wood and leather accents gave the space a modern, intimate vibe. The queen bed dominated the room but left space for a small desk with complimentary WiFi positioned near the flat-screen television. Lighting was well considered for a room of this size: lamps on either side of the bed and wall-mounted fixtures provided ample reading light and convenient outlets for charging devices. A chandelier above the bed added decorative flair more than functional illumination.
The bathroom space was partially open to the sleeping area, separated by a thick red curtain that concealed a glass-enclosed shower. A single marble-topped sink provided adequate counter space for toiletries, and the mirror lighting was sufficient for grooming. The toilet sat in its own enclosed compartment, which helped with privacy. This layout works well for solo travelers but could feel cramped for two people sharing the room.
Services/Amenities: Located in the heart of Times Square, the hotel puts guests within easy walking distance of countless restaurants, shops and theaters, so many visitors naturally spend most of their time out exploring. For business travelers who need robust on-site services, the property was limited during my stay. The HAVEN rooftop lounge offered lively food and drink options, but the hotel did not have a full-service on-site restaurant or 24-hour room service at that time. There was no dedicated fitness center on the premises; instead, guests receive complimentary access to an Equinox gym roughly five blocks away. The Equinox is upscale and well equipped, though navigating through dense tourist crowds to reach it can be challenging. Each morning the hotel provides a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast featuring bagels, coffee and cereals, which is convenient for guests heading to early meetings or sightseeing.
The Experience: The Sanctuary sits squarely in Times Square and the theater district, offering a convenient and atmospheric base amid the bustle. It’s especially well suited to leisure travelers and anyone planning to explore the city on foot. For those traveling on business or in need of full-service amenities, the property may feel incomplete until planned enhancements are finished. The hotel has announced plans for a signature restaurant, 24-hour in-room dining, private dining and meeting spaces, and an on-site fitness center; I look forward to returning once these updates are in place.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
The Sanctuary Hotel New York
132 W. 47th St.
New York, NY 10036
tel 212 234 7000
sanctuaryhotelnyc.com